Brain Infection Facts

Brain and its surrounding structures can become infected by a large spectrum of germs. Bacteria and viruses are the most common offenders. Parasites, fungi, and other organisms can infect the central nervous system.

A brain abscess is usually caused by infection with either bacteria or fungi. If the immune system is unable to kill an infection, it will try to limit its spread by using healthy tissue to form an abscess, to stop the pus infecting other tissue.

Infections of the brain are rare because the body has evolved a number of defences to protect this vital organ. One of these is the blood-brain barrier, a thick membrane that filters out impurities from blood before allowing it into your brain. However, in some cases, germs can get through these defences and infect the brain. Although the exact location of the original infection can’t always be identified.

Infection in the skull:

In most of the cases, the brain abscess occurs as a complication of a nearby infection in the skull, such as:

A persistent middle ear infection

Sinusitis

Infection of the bone behind the eye

This used to be a major cause of brain abscesses, but because of improved treatments for infections, a brain abscess is now a rare complication of these kinds of infection.

Infection through the bloodstream:

Infections spread through the blood are thought to account for around one in four cases of brain abscesses. People with a weakened immune system have a higher risk of developing a brain abscess from a blood-borne infection. This is because their immune system may not be capable of fighting off the initial infection.

You may have a weakened immune system if you:

Have a medical condition that weakens your immune system – such as HIV or AIDS

Receive medical treatment known to weaken the immune system – such as chemotherapy

Have an organ transplant and take drugs to prevent your body rejecting the new organ

The most commonly reported infections and health conditions that may cause a brain abscess are:

Cyanotic heart disease – a type of congenital heart where the heart is unable to carry enough oxygen around the body; this lack of a regular oxygen supply makes the body more vulnerable to infection

Pulmonary arteriovenous fistula – a rare condition in which abnormal connections develop between blood vessels inside the lungs; this can allow bacteria to get into the blood and, eventually, the brain

A dental abscess or treatment for tooth decay

Lung infections – such as pneumonia or bronchiectasis

Infections of the heart – such as endocarditis

Skin infections

Infections of the abdomen – such as peritonitis

Pelvic infections – such as infection of the bladder lining

Infection after a head injury:

Direct trauma to the skull can also lead to a brain abscess and is thought to be responsible for 1 in 10 cases.

The most commonly reported causes include:

A skull fracture caused by penetrating injury to the head

As gunshot or shrapnel wound

In rare cases, a brain abscess can develop as a complication of neurosurgery.

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